Residents of Northern States

This question is mainly for those who live up north.  I live in South Arkansas.  We have seen snow once in 10 years and no one went anywhere.  I have a close friend who is going to Mayo in Michigan.  My question is, is it wise for them to drive all the way up there at the beginning of January without ever driving in it before?
Thanks

[vetiver2]

Not being too good at geography (!) I can only offer to tell you the following.  Snow tires have just become mandatory during winter weather in Quebec.  I have always used them in winter here for the last 50 years.  They work.  However one needs to learn how to drive with them.  Perhaps rental cars are available so equipped?

In contrast, I once found myself driving to New York in a decent snowstorm.  Most vehicules, not having snow tires, were just not able to cope with the slippery surfaces and were all over the place, skidding, turning completely around to face the opposite direction, stalling on the slightest slope and - in other words - ruining what would have been a simple situation if they all had snow tires!  ALL traffic was completely stalled.

Even with snow tires, there are many type A drivers on the roads who refuse to reduce their speed in hazardous conditions.

The only positive thing is that weather forecasts are so much better today, even though weather patterns seem to be changing..  If one is prepared to postpone a decision until closer to the date of travel, then a "best weather " route might be researched via AAA.  Best wishes for the important Mayo appt.  

[acesew]

Thanks for your response.  I will pass this on.

[AireScottie]

Good question!  I would say no!  People from farther south have a terrible time driving in northern Ohio when we get snow storms off Lake Erie, and Minnesota gets much more snow than we do.  They're excellent at clearing the roads, but there's not a darn thing you can do during the storm.  My concern would be that your friends will not have the experience to judge when the roads are no longer safe or what sections of the unfamiliar roads are subject to whiteouts.  

Is there any chance they can fly in a day ahead of time and stay at a hotel?  This way they're not chancing the bad weather, and even if their flight gets delayed from weather, they'll still have 24 hours to get where they're going.

[acesew]

The funny thing is that we are trying to get them to fly.  For some odd reason, they want to drive.  We keep telling them that it is not wise since they don't know how bad the weather gets.  That is why I was asking y'all this question.  That way I had someone to back us up on this.

Thanks.  That is what I thought.  I know I wouldn't be driving.

[LindaTX]

If they've never driven in snow before, now is probably not the time to start.  I've spent many winters driving in Alaska and even for a seasoned driver, it can get scary.  Plus there could be a "white-out" where you can't see 10 ft in front of you and if you have to pull over on the shoulder of the road, you could get hit by another car or just freeze sitting there for hours and hours. If it gets really slick sometimes they close roads.  Snow tires are an absolute must.  Please show them these posts and plead with them not to make the drive.

[acesew]

Thank all of you.  I will show them these.